Avoid the Embarrassment of Bad Breath with These Tips

As the holiday season gets closer, calendars begin to fill up with social engagements. From work parties to the annual neighborhood gathering there will be plenty of opportunities to celebrate the season with friends and family. These holiday parties are a time to relax and have fun with your loved ones. No one wants to worry about how their breath smells instead of having fun and socializing! Avoid the embarrassment of talking to your neighbor while they try to think of a way to escape because your breath is so stinky by following the tips and tricks below.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

It’s no secret that drinking plenty of water has many health benefits, but there’s one bonus that’s often overlooked. Water can help to decrease bad breath by washing away leftover food particles and bacteria. Keep in mind the 8×8 rule; eight different eight-ounce glasses of water is the goal that you should try to meet each day.

Focus on the Tongue

One of the major causes of bad breath is the buildup of bacteria on the tongue. To get rid of the germs that may be lodged between the folds of your tongue and your taste buds, invest in a tongue scraper. Alternatively, you can use a toothbrush to really wipe away the bad odor. The majority of the bacteria might be near the back, so make sure to stick your tongue out all the way.

Rinse and Repeat

In addition to scraping your tongue, a good mouth rinse can really reduce the foul odors that come from your mouth. The rinse not only helps reduce the bacteria on the tongue but also the build-up between the teeth. In order to prepare for a party, you may even consider purchasing a travel-sized mouth rinse to keep in your purse or pocket for use after you’ve indulged in a few hors d’oeuvre.

Replace the Brush

While most dental practices will provide you with a new toothbrush after each checkup, you may still need to replace the brush between checkups. A good rule of thumb is to start with a new toothbrush about every three months. However, if your brush starts to look a little frayed then you can replace it even sooner. By regularly swapping out your bristles, you can ensure that you’ll help reduce bad breath.

Many people suffer from chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis. In fact, approximately half of American adults will experience halitosis at some point. By following these tips you’ll be able to combat this common problem and can feel comfortable during holiday parties instead of focusing on your breath.

A practicing dentist since 1982, Dr. Gary Imm, provides advanced cosmetic dentistry, including smile makeovers, sedation, implant and TMJ services. He is committed to progressive, extraordinary care for his guests. All Smiles Dental Care trains at least 300 hours each year at such prestigious centers as the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dentistry. (LVI)